The political split within South Sudan’s armed opposition movement has deepened after a state labor commission head resigned, citing harassment of Riek Machar loyalists by a rival SPLM-IO faction.
Majok Maluong, the outgoing chair of Lakes State’s Employees Justice Chamber, announced his resignation this week, claiming officials allied with the SPLM-IO “interim leadership” are working with state authorities to marginalize supporters of Machar.
“For us who are loyalists, and myself who is still a loyalist to our chairman, Dr. Riek Machar, it is not our understanding to join the interim leadership team who betrayed our chairman,” Maluong said.
He alleged that under Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol’s interim leadership, officials face pressure to declare allegiance to remain in government positions. “If you are loyal to Par [Kuol], then you are safe. If you are loyal to Dr. Riek Machar, then they can arrest or remove you,” he said.
Maluong suggested his resignation preempted an impending dismissal, accusing Governor Rin Tueny Mabor of planning to oust him for his political alignment.
The development underscores rising tensions following Machar’s March arrest in Juba, where he has been confined under house arrest and suspended from his role as first vice president. He is now facing charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity in a special court.
Maluong dismissed the case as politically motivated and urged full implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, beginning with Machar’s release.
The SPLM-IO interim leadership and the Lakes State government have not yet issued statements on Maluong’s resignation or allegations.
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